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Wine Advocate
Robert Parker recently released his latest Wine Advocate including his report on the 2008 vintage in Bordeaux. He sees many wines from 2008 rivaling their 2005s.
"... the quality of the 2008 vintage turned out to be excellent, with a number of superb wines that are close to, if not equal to the prodigious 2005 or 2000 vintages (two years with many of the best wines I have ever tasted from top to bottom)" Reviews
Robert Parker 95 points
One of the superstars of the vintage, this classic Montrose is not as showy or opulent as the 2010, 2009 or 2003, but it offers a dense purple color followed by gorgeously sweet black raspberry and black currant fruit intermixed with loamy, earthy, forest floor notes, a floral component and a long, full-bodied finish. The 2008 was fashioned from yields of 44 hectoliters per hectare which is slightly less than the 2010's 45 hectoliters per hectare. Forget it for 5-8 years and drink it over the following 20+.
Wine Spectator 91 Points
This has a density that sets it apart, with a pleasantly firm edge to the plum, black cherry and currant fruit, all wrapped with notes of iron, tobacco and savory herb. The long, rock-solid finish is still a bit tight, but it should meld nicely in the cellar. A fine effort for the vintage. Best from 2013 through 2020. 16,665 cases made. -JM
Stephen Tanzer International Wine Cellar 90 Points
Bright ruby-red. Fresh black fruits and licorice on the nose. Juicy and penetrating, with excellent focus and purity to the flavors of blueberry, blackberry and minerals. Tightly wound and very firm on the aftertaste, with suave tannins and excellent length. An excellent Montrose with a modern touch.
Neal Martin Wine Journal 94 Points
Tasted at the chateau. As indicated in my original tasting note, I have always felt that my sample from barrel was not representative. The nose takes some coaxing from the glass, but it eventually, perhaps reluctantly, reveals scents of blackberry, pomegranate, violet and a touch of cedar and fresh fig. Very well defined. The palate is tensile, very tight, fresh acidity underpinning sharp blackberry and bay leaf on the entry. Fine but sturdy tannins, very good persistency, real grip on the finish. This has certainly put on weight during its elevage and it is redolent of a scaled down version of the 1989. Whilst not a top-flight Montrose a la spellbinding 2009, this is still an impressive wine from Jean-Bernard Delmas. Drink 2014-2035. Tasted October 2010.
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